UK Prime Minister could resign on Monday

Darwin, 21 June : The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer may resign on Monday, according to the British newspaper The Observer. However, a government source has said that the Prime Minister remains focused on carrying out his duties.

If he resigns or is forced out of office, it would mean that the country would have had its seventh Prime Minister in just over a decade, marking the highest turnover in nearly two centuries. This reflects public frustration over repeated governments’ failures to address issues such as improving public services and tackling illegal immigration.

Reuters reported on Sunday that Starmer could step down on Monday and set out a timeline for his departure.

Starmer’s premiership has been under pressure for several months. The situation escalated on Friday after his rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat, which could allow him to challenge Starmer’s leadership within the Labour Party.

The Observer also reported that Starmer has discussed the decision with his wife before making a final choice. Senior Labour figures are now expecting a clear statement from him by Monday.

Previously, Starmer said he would fight any leadership challenge and urged his party not to tear itself apart through internal conflict.

Although Starmer led the centre-left Labour Party to a landslide victory in the 2024 election, he has become increasingly unpopular due to scandals and policy U-turns. Many voters feel he has failed to deliver on promises to improve living standards.

According to a Reuters calculation, more than 100 Labour MPs—about one quarter of the party’s representatives in the House of Commons—have publicly said they want him to resign or announce a timetable for departure.

Burnham seen as a potential successor

Andy Burnham, 56, is widely viewed within Labour as the most likely successor to Starmer, either through a negotiated transition or a formal leadership contest.

After building a political base as Mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England, Burnham won a by-election easily against a challenge from Nigel Farage’s right-wing populist party.

Burnham has not formally challenged Starmer yet, but in his victory speech he promised a “new direction” for the country. His allies have urged Starmer to step down voluntarily to allow a smooth transfer of power.

The Times reported on Saturday that if Burnham becomes Prime Minister, he may dismiss Chancellor Rachel Reeves, as his advisers believe she has not delivered enough policy change. Reuters has not independently verified this claim.